The Smart Explorer North East 250

Firstly, to be completely honest you can drive practically anywhere in Scotland and come across the most spectacular views, dramatic coastlines, amazing historical castles and ruins, not to mention the quaint little friendly villages.

So why am I going to tell you about the North East 250?

It's Simple, the North East 250 is, in my opinion, one of the best self-drive circular road trips you can do. For starters it winds through the Cairngorms National Park with it stunning mountain range, along the Moray Firth coast with its rugged coastline and secret hidden sandy beaches, down the east of Aberdeenshire and back along through some of the most quaint and traditional villages in Scotland - Banchory, Aboyne and Ballater.

The great thing about the North East 250 is that, there is so much to see and do you can't really make a wrong turn, whether you are looking to have a wee dram at one of the distillery tours, or maybe bump into one of the Royals as you drive past Balmoral Castle you are in for a real adventure.

Personally, I don't think it's very constructive telling travellers where they should or shouldn't go as everyone has their own preferences when exploring. So rather than give you directions or instructions we have added our favourite activities, buildings and places of interest, which I hope you find enjoyable and well worth the visit.

If you come across a hidden gem on your tour of the North East 250 then please let us know and we can add it on for others to enjoy.

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National Trust for Scotland

"Save our Scotland"

From coastlines to castles, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, we encourage people to connect with the things that make Scotland unique while protecting them for future generations.

Inverurie

• Stand before one of the largest tower houses in Scotland.

• Discover quirky features such as the Laird’s Lug, hidden trapdoors, secret staircases and a spy hole!

• Admire fascinating family treasures and portraits, including a Raeburn.

• Venture up to the top of the round tower for incredible views.

• Let young imaginations run free in the Woodland Secrets play area.

Alford

• Discover the beautiful pink castle said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.

• Admire an impressive collection of artefacts and art, including Raeburns, armour and weapons.

• Experience an authentic tour of the castle, with no artificial lighting beyond the ground floor.

• Explore the gardens and woodland trails, keeping an eye out for the rare pine marten.

• Enjoy a peaceful break in one of our holiday cottages with lovely views of the castle.

Crathes

• Wander through the historic walled garden and admire the iconic yew hedges, planted as early as 1702.

• Explore this magnificent 16th-century castle, with its intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings .

• Don’t miss the Horn of Leys, given to the Burnett family in the 14th century by Robert the Bruce.

• Spot a rich variety of wildlife along our six waymarked trails, including roe deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and herons.

Fyvie

• Admire the impressive portrait collection, including works by Raeburn, Batoni, Romney, Gainsborough, Opie, Lawrence and Hoppner .

• Discover the racquets court and bowling alley, as well as the ice house, bird hide and restored earth closet.

• Don’t miss the grisly death mask of a hanged murderer on display in the library.

• Enjoy a walk with family and friends around the beautiful grounds.

Ellon

• Discover this magnificent example of a Scottish stately home in the Palladian style.

• Take a tour around the home of the story-rich Gordon family, who lived here for more than 400 years.

• Stroll through the delightful terrace garden.

• Admire the extensive art collection, including 85 paintings of Aberdeenshire castles by acclaimed Victorian artist James Giles .

Huntly

• Discover one family’s story over ten generations.

• Don’t miss the ‘boxing squirrels’ and a giant turtle shell from Ascension Island.

• Wander through the beautiful garden, with its zig-zag paths, spiral-cut lawns, a moon gate and lichened steps .

• Take a walk on any of the three waymarked trails to see a brilliant variety of wildlife.

Braemar

• Immerse yourself in the wild landscapes of this estate, at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

• Calling all hill walkers! 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the UK are found here, including Britain’s second highest mountain, Ben Macdui.

• Follow in Queen Victoria’s footsteps – visit Linn of Dee or walk through Glen Lui to Derry Lodge.

• See conservation in action: after centuries of deforestation the native Caledonian pinewood is being reborn .

• Spot iconic Scottish wildlife, including red deer, red squirrels, golden eagles and black grouse.

Ellon

• Be amazed at over 30,000 annual bedding plants that make up the colourful designs in the parterres.

• Visit the Museum of Farming Life, which brings the agricultural past to life.

• Don’t miss our ‘cornkisters’ event in September when you can buy fruits harvested from the garden.

• Explore the woodlands around the garden on the waymarked trail.

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Recommended Guides

"personalised VIP tours"

Why not explore the North East 250 in style and book a V.I.P tour with one of the finest tour companies in Scotland

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